Rack exercise system and method

ABSTRACT

A rack exercise system ( 30 ), according to the invention, having a main support frame ( 38 ), two upright support racks ( 42 ), a base frame, and a floor unit ( 36 ), for conditioning in three-dimensions using a mobile support ( 32 ) such as a Swiss ball. The rack excerise system is a multi-capability platform, or anchoring system that, in conjunction with the Swiss ball, allows an exercise or rehabilitation professional or an exercise enthusiast to fully express their creativity in exercise design, and selection.

This application claims benefit of provisional application No.60/074,715 filed Feb. 13, 1998.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to total body conditioning and, more particularlyto a rack exercise system for use in calisthenics and resistancetraining. The rack exercise system allows a person to emphasis coreconditioning, i.e., conditioning for the person's trunk region of thebody, in addition to conditioning of the person's extremities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing conditioning and training systems often reside in stationarymachines and equipment that provide resistance using pulleys or leverswith one or more axes of rotation. Such machines often require theexercise to be performed while the person is in a seated positionaffording exercise in the sagittal plane (front to back or flexion andextension) while limiting the exerciser's ability to move in unguidedmovement patterns. Thus, existing conditioning machines generally do notrequire the exerciser to maintain their center of gravity over aspecific base of support as in normal human movement.

Accordingly, such conditioning and training systems are based onunnatural human movements which fail to provide conditioning for reallife movements often encountered in sports and in work in which strengthmust be generated and force applied in a three-dimensionally unstableenvironment. Further, such existing systems generally condition theexerciser's extremities, i.e., arms and legs, while ignoring theimportant trunk portion of the body.

From the discussion above, it should be apparent that there is a needfor a conditioning system that exercises a person's trunk andextremities using three-dimensional movements while exercising balance.The present invention addresses these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is embodied in a method for conditioning aperson's body. The method includes anchoring the person's extremities toanchor points, supporting the body on a flexible support, and having theperson perform exercise maneuvers.

In more detailed features of the invention, the flexible support may bea Swiss ball and the exercise maneuvers may include throwing a medicineball in a three-dimensional movement.

The anchoring may be provided by a rack exercise system. The rackexercise system may include an upright unit having adjustable hold unitsfor anchoring and a floor unit having swivel holds for anchoring.

Other features and advantages of the present invention should becomeapparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate,by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack exercise system, according to theinvention, having a main support frame, two side upright support racks,a base frame, and a floor, for conditioning in three-dimensions using aSwiss ball.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the main support frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is plan view of the main support frame of FIG. 2, which includestwo mounting points for the two side upright support racks and includestwo angle-selection plates for selecting the angular position of therespective upright support racks.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a side upright support rack of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a top clamp for attaching to the end of themain support frame and the ends of the side upright support racks.

FIG. 6A is side elevation view of a 45 degree brace for strengtheningthe main support frame and holding a dumbbell.

FIG. 6B is a front elevation view of the 45 degree brace of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of an adjustable upper foot and hand hold unit,for attachment to each of the side upright supports.

FIG. 7B is a side elevation view of the adjustable foot and hand holdunit of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a plan view of the base frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8B is a side elevation view of the base frame of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of a lower swivel hand and foot holdfor attachment to the base frame of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view of the lower swivel hand and foot holdof FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the angle-selection plate of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing core conditioning exercises with the handsgrasping the adjustable foot and hand hold units while the units are ina raised position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing core conditioning exercises with the handsgrasping the adjustable hold units while the units are in a loweredposition.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing an isolation conditioning exercise usingdumbbells with the feet engaging the adjustable hold units while theunits are in a raised and narrow position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing core conditioning exercises using a medicineball with the feet engaging the adjustable hold units while the unitsare in a lowered position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing upper extremity conditioning exercises usingdumbbells with the feet engaging the lower swivel hand and foot holds.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing core conditioning exercises using dumbbellswith the feet engaging the adjustable hold units while the units are ina lowered position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing core conditioning exercises with the feetengaging the adjustable hold units while the units are in a raised andnarrow position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing an core- conditioning exercises with thefeet engaging the adjustable hold units while the units are in a raisedand wide position.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing an isolation conditioning exercise with thehands grasping the adjustable hold units while the units are in a raisedand narrow position.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing core conditioning exercises with the feetengaging the lower swivel hand and foot holds.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing core conditioning exercises with the handsgrasping the adjustable hold units while the units are in a loweredposition.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the rack exercise system of FIG. 1,showing a person performing a core conditioning exercises with the handsgrasping the adjustable hold units while the units are in a raised andnarrow position.

FIG. 23A is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a rack exercisesystem, according to the invention, having attached to the main supportframe, a center post bar for grasping during conditioning inthree-dimensions using the Swiss ball.

FIG. 23B is a side elevation of the rack exercise system having a centerpost bar of FIG. 23A.

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a rackexercise system, according to the invention, formed by modifying anexisting stationary gym set to have foot and hand support bars for useas supports during conditioning in three-dimensions using the Swiss balland to have a foldable floor unit.

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the foldable floor unit of FIG. 24A inits folded position for storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in the exemplary drawings, the invention is embodied in a rackexercise system that provides a system of adjustable anchors and fixedanchors for use in conjunction with a mobile support, such as a Swissball. The anchors allow the exerciser to securely anchor the body usingthe arms or legs at a variety of heights and angles and to thus trainand condition the body with isotonic or “dynamic” resistance. Theconditioning may be performed at nearly any movement speed, in any planeor combinations of movement planes, or in movement patterns having ahigh functional carryover to home, work, or sports environments. Thesystem thus provides an effective conditioning opportunity forexercisers of all ages, levels of functional capacity (injured to fullyfunctional), and gender.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-10, the rack exercise system 30 includesan upright unit 34 and a floor unit 36. The upright unit includes a mainsupport frame 38, two side upright support racks 42, and two adjustablefoot and hand hold units 44. The main support frame 38 includes a mainsupport base 46, a main support post 48, and two angle selection plates50. The main support base is V-shaped having an apex 52 and two arms 54.The main support post is attached by bolts to the main support base atthe apex. The main support post is fortified by a 45 degree brace 56bolted between the main support post and the floor unit 36. The 45degree race includes a dumbbell rack 57. Each angle selection plate isattached to the respective base arm at a location that is approximatelymidway between the apex and the end of the respective base arm.

Each of the two side upright support racks 42 is mounted on a peg 58located at a pivot mounting point on the respective angle selectionplate 50. Each upright support rack has a tab 60 on its lower end whichincludes a spring-loaded pin 62 that engages holes 64 located at spacedapart angles on the angle selection plates. Accordingly, the uprightsupport rack may rotate 180 degrees about the pivot point and be lockedto a desired angle, in 18 degree steps, by engaging the pin in theappropriate hole on the angle selection plate. A V-shaped top clamp 66having two arms 68 is connected to the top end of the main support post48. On each arm is a peg 70 that engages a hole in the top end of therespective upright support rack 42 for supporting the support racks intheir upright positions. Each upright support rack further includes aseries of spaced-apart holes 72 along its length.

The adjustable foot and hand hold units 44 slidingly engage the uprightsupport racks 42. Each adjustable hold includes a spring-load pin 74that engages the hole 72 on the upright support rack. Thus, the heightof the hand and foot hold unit is set by sliding the unit along theupright support rack and engaging the pin in the appropriate hole.

The floor unit 36 includes a base frame 76, a floor 80, a gymnastic pad82, and two lower swivel hand and foot holds 84. The base frame has abase frame center piece 85 and two side pieces 86 that are all connectedby an end piece 88. The center piece is bolted to the main support base46 at the support base's apex. The two side pieces, respectively, arebolted to the support base's two arms. The two lower swivel holds 84 areattached the base frame's end piece by tabs 90. The floor of plywoodtimber is placed over the base frame and the gymnastics pad (not shown)is placed on the floor. Accordingly, the lower swivel holds are locatedon a side of the floor that is opposite that of the adjustable holdunits 44.

The mobile support 32 is preferably a Swiss ball. The Swiss ball isadvantageous because it allows for the performance of a wide variety ofconditioning activities. The mobile support also may be a ball or thelike that is weighted with sand, gel, stuffing, or that has a heavyshell material.

One advantage from a rehabilitative perspective of the exercise system30 of the invention is its use of “integration.” Whereas existingconditioning machines predominantly “isolate” body parts and variousmusculature (such as the abdominals), the exercise system of theinvention allows a vast array of both isolation exercises andintegration exercises. Because the exercise system promotes exercisesthat are performed while one or both extremities act as an anchor point,an inherent improvement is obtained in a person's ability tofunctionally stabilize one or more regions of the body while eitherisolating or integrating other regions of the body in a particularexercise. The rack exercise system allows the user to perform numerousexercises that would normally require one to find an anchor in the gym,e.g., hooking feet under, or holding onto a machine. Anchoring to suchexisting machines is often dangerous and can be painful due to sharpedges and may provide less than optimal heights and widths of anchorpoints.

The rack exercise system 30 allows the user to select from a virtuallyunlimited number of exercises that range from very easy to very complex.The rack exercise system is primarily used to condition the coremusculature of the body, although there are numerous exercises for theextremities that can be performed on it. Because the primary assistingmodality of the system is the Swiss Ball 32, all exercises have somedegree of “instability” that requires the exerciser to maintain balanceat all times. The degree of balance needed is dependent upon the choiceof anchor points.

Because the design strategy of the system is modality interactive, itallows the development of strength, endurance, flexibility,coordination, power, balance, speed and stabilization. The biomotorability developed will depend greatly upon the choice of interactivemodality(s) and user skill.

The rack exercise system of the invention generally should beaccompanied by some degree of instruction. Preferably, an exerciser isprovided with guidance regarding possible exercises, exercise designwith an understanding of functional anatomy, and exercise programdesign.

The system 30 allows the exercise enthusiast or professional to selectfrom a vast array of isolation and integration exercises. The system isdesigned to be used in concert with numerous other modalities such asdumbbells, medicine and Swiss balls, cable machines, etc. and thereforereflects the versatility of such an unlimited selection of possibleexercises. The system requires significantly elevated demand upon thecore musculature (trunk) due to the integrated nature of exercising withthe body anchored at one end and having to move weighted or un-weightedextremities at the other end. This technique is particularlyadvantageous because research on human movement conclusivelydemonstrates that all movement patterns of the extremities emanate fromthe core. Therefore, training based on the rack exercise system of theinvention will primarily improve core conditioning and functionalcapacity and secondarily enhance extremity movement and function. Thus,the exercise enthusiast, athlete, coach, or trainer may initially useintegration exercises for the purposes of increased caloric expenditure(fat reduction), or increasing movement skills and strength in movementpatterns which more closely approximate the home, work, or sportsenvironment.

A rehabilitation professional may, however, choose to develop, select,and implement isolation exercises for regions such as the abdominals,low back or gluteus maximus as a prerequisite to advancing to morecomplex integration exercises.

With reference to FIGS. 11-22, the rack exercise system 30 may usedalone or in conjunction with other apparatus such as dumbbells, medicineballs, body blades, balance boards, stretch cords, and cable free-weightresistance machines.

A first exercise modality is shown in FIG. 11 in which the user performscore conditioning with the hands grasping the adjustable foot and handhold units 44. The adjustable hold units are in a raised position. Thisexercise shows the exerciser supporting his body weight and maintaininghis center of gravity over a mobile support 32 via the upper extremitieswhile performing a lower body rotation requiring trunk and leg motion inthe transverse plane.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 12 in which the exerciserperforms core conditioning with the hands grasping the adjustable footand hand hold units 44 while the units are in a lowered position. Thisexercise demonstrates how the exerciser may condition extensor musclesof the trunk and lower extremities as a functionally integrated unit.The exerciser's body is moving in the sagittal, frontal, and transverseplanes of motion while being supported from the action of the hands andarms via the adjustable hold units.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 13 in which the exerciserperforms an isolation conditioning exercise with the feet engaging theadjustable hold units 44 while the units are in a raised and narrowposition. The ability to perform such trunk flexion exercises with thefeet elevated affords the exerciser the ability to isolate and maximallyload the abdominal region. By lowering the hold units, performance ofthe same exercise will result in a shift of the maximal loadprogressively upward. Accordingly, the rack exercise system 30 may beeffectively integrated with multiple exercise modalities and forms ofresistance to accomplish numerous results.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 14 in which the exerciserperforms core conditioning by throwing a medicine ball while the feetare engaged in the adjustable hold units 44 which are in a loweredposition. This exercise demonstrates how the back may be exercised inmultiple planes of motion and at any speed of movement the exerciserdesires to move or throw the medicine ball.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 15 in which the exerciserperforms upper extremity conditioning using dumbbells with the feetengaging the lower swivel hand and foot holds 84. In this exercise, highresistance is being moved and stabilized by the upper extremities withthe feet anchored while the exerciser is supported by a mobile, unstableball 32 under the exerciser's body. Accordingly, the core is conditionedby necessity of its communication and connection duties between theupper and lower extremities. This exact situation is common to many workand sports environments. Performance of the exercise at variouspositions atop the ball affords strengthening of different muscle fibergroups of the pectoral and arm musculature. This form of movementvariety is not common among traditional exercise machines.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 16 in which the exerciserperforms core and upper extremity conditioning using dumbbells with thefeet engaging the adjustable hold units 44 while the units are in alowered position. This exercise demonstrates how the rack exercisesystem 30 of the invention effectively integrates the upper extremities,core, and lower extremities to perform a functional movement patternwhile maintaining the exerciser's base of support.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 17 in which the exerciserperforms core conditioning exercises with the feet engaging theadjustable hold units 44 while the units are in a raised position. Inthis exercise, the core is conditioned as a stabilizer of the shouldergirdle, giving the upper extremities a solid working foundation.Changing the height of the adjustable hold units alters the angles ofthe exerciser's body with respect to the floor and intensity of theexercise.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 18 in which the exerciserperforms core conditioning exercises with the feet engaging theadjustable hold units 44 while the units are in a raised position. Thisexercise demonstrates the use of multiple Swiss balls 32 to increase thedifficulty of the exercise.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 19 in which the exerciserperforms core conditioning exercises with the feet engaging theadjustable hold units 44 while the units are in a raised position.Flexing the hip and lower portion of the spine allows the exerciser toexercise following a movement pattern not commonly afforded bytraditional exercise machines. The rack exercise system 30 of theinvention thus allows either isolation (working the abdominals and trunkby locking the hip) or integration (flexing the legs and trunk insequence) of the trunk and lower extremities.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 20 in which the exerciserperforms upper extremity conditioning using a medicine ball with thefeet engaging the lower swivel hand and foot holds 84. In this exercise,the exerciser is free to toss a medicine ball, unobstructed, at anydesired angle or speed.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 21 in which the exerciserperforms core conditioning with the hands grasping the adjustable footand hand hold units 44 while the units are in a lowered position.Exercising with the lower extremities in an open chain environmentallows application to such sports as swimming, diving, and gymnastics.This exercise position also allows isolation of the low back by flexingfrom the hip/back region only, or allows integration by moving the lowerextremities in concert with the hip/back region.

Another exercise modality is shown in FIG. 22 in which the exerciserperforms core conditioning exercises-with the feet engaging theadjustable hold units 44 while the units are in a raised position. Theelevated position of the adjustable hold units allows effectiveanchoring for hip, trunk and neck flexion exercises from the supineposition. This position allows conditioning of movement patterns commonto many work or sports situations as well as providing for isolationand/or integration of movement.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 23A and23B, the rack exercise system 30 includes a main support frame 38′having an additional support bar 92 and the depth of the V configurationon the main supports top clamp and base 46 is increased to allow morehead room. The support bar is grasped by the hands and increases thebalance conditioning of the exerciser.

Another alternative embodiment of the rack exercise system 30″ for homeuse is shown in FIG. 24. The system may be formed by retrofitting anexisting exercise system 94 with support bars 96. Further, the floor 80′includes a hinge 98. Also, the floor includes brackets 100 that engagebrackets 102 on the exercise system 92. Thus, the floor may be removed,compactly folded, and stored in a convenient location when not in use.

It should be readily apparent that the rack exercise system 30 of theinvention provides a core-conditioning device having numerouspossibilities for conditioning the extremities. Among other features,the rack exercise system of the invention provides the following uniquefeatures:

1. The system has the ability to serve as a multi-position, multi-angle,multi-plane anchor system, allowing the execution of numerous exercises.The system provides for easy and effective anchoring of hands, feet, orany combination thereof.

2. The system has the ability to integrate other exercise apparatus ormodalities.

3. The system has the ability to be used as an anchor system forperformance of body weight resistance exercises without the addition ofany other apparatus or modality.

4. By design, the system is unique in that multiple types of trainingcan be performed, whereas most existing equipment, gimmicks, andapparatus in the exercise industry are targeted at a “specific” movementor activity.

5. The system is unique in that it allows the practitioner/user tocreate exercises that “isolate” or “integrate” specific regions of thehuman body.

6. The system requires that the user “self stabilize”. This uniqueself-stabilization feature ensures that the user improves thestabilization skills and abilities necessary for function in the threedimensionally unstable (gravity loaded) environment we live in as humanbeings. Most machines and training devices attempting to allow exerciseoptions for specific muscles do not require any significant degree ofstabilization. This is due to the fact that the user is either beltedinto a heavy stable machine and/or the exercise(s) are performed bymoving levers which have a fixed or semi-fixed axis of motion.

7. The system provides an anchoring system allowing performance ofhigh-resistance, high-speed, unstable exercises that would otherwise behigh-risk or dangerous should the user depend on insecure anchors oranchors that are actually objects not intended to serve as an anchor forsuch exercises. Such objects do not have adequate handholds in positionsor sizes that suit the human hand; therefore slippage is likely, as isinjury. Also, such objects and machines are often not bolted down andmay be light or unstable enough that tipping or falling over is arealistic possibility in consideration of the forces generated with manyof the exercises athletes attempt when holding onto such items. Further,machines have multiple moving parts which look secure but may move asload increases. The person using such an apparatus as an anchor also mayinterrupt normal gym traffic, or may suffer injury if another personattempts to use the machine while it is being used as an anchor.

8. The system allows the user to move at “unlimited” speeds of motion,as there are no moving parts once the anchor height, angle and locationare selected and the spring-loaded pins are set.

9. The system allows for explosive or “plyometric” exercises targetingthe trunk musculature to be performed in any plane of motion orcombination thereof.

10. The adjustability of the system allows use by adults and children ofany size or shape.

While the foregoing has been with reference to specific embodiments ofthe invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthese are illustrations only and that changes in these embodiments canbe made without departing from the principles of the invention, thescope of which is defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for conditioning a person's body,comprising the steps of anchoring one, but not both, of the person'sextremities to anchor points; balancing independently weight of at leastthe trunk of the body on a freely rollable support; and having theperson perform exercise maneuvers.
 2. A conditioning method as definedin claim 1, wherein the balancing the body on a freely rollable supportis achieved by balancing the weight of at least the trunk atop a Swissball.
 3. A conditioning method as defined in claim 1, wherein thebalancing comprises compensating with the muscles of the trunk formovement of the freely rollable support in response to the exercisemaneuvers.
 4. A conditioning method as defined in claim 1, whereinperforming exercise maneuvers includes throwing a medicine ball in athree-dimensional movement.
 5. A conditioning method as defined in claim1, wherein the anchoring comprises anchoring the person's extremities toanchor points on a rack exercise system.
 6. A conditioning method asdefined in claim 5 wherein the rack exercise system includes an uprightunit having adjustable hold units for anchoring and a floor unit havingswivel holds for anchoring.
 7. A rack exercise system comprising anupright unit having adjustable hold units for anchoring a person'sextremities and a floor unit having swivel holds also for anchoring aperson's extremities.
 8. A rack exercise system as defined in claim 7,wherein the upright unit comprises: a main support frame having a mainsupport base, a main support post attached to the main support base andextending in up from the base and the floor unit, and at least two angleselection plates attached to the main support base, each angle selectionplate having a peg surrounded by a plurality of pin holes definingselectable angles; at least two upright support racks that are eachmounted between a respective angle selection plate and the main supportpost such that the rack may swivel about the peg of the respective angleselection plate, and each rack having a pin for selectably engaging thepin holes in the respective angle selection plate; at least twoadjustable hold units that each slidingly engage a respective uprightsupport rack, wherein each hold unit may be adjustably set to apredetermined location along the respective upright support rack.
 9. Arack exercise system as defined in claim 8, wherein each upright supportrack has holes at predetermined locations along the support rack andeach adjustable hold unit has a spring-load pin for engaging one of thesupport rack holes to set the location of the respective hold unit alongthe support rack.
 10. A rack exercise system as defined in claim 7,wherein the floor unit further includes a base frame, a floor attachedover the base frame, and a gymnastic pad that covers the floor.
 11. Arack exercise system as defined in claim 10, wherein the swivel holdsare attached to the base frame.
 12. A rack exercise system as defined inclaim 7, further comprising an mobile support for supporting a personduring exercise.
 13. A rack exercise system as defined in claim 12,wherein the mobile support is a Swiss ball.
 14. Apparatus for exercise,comprising: anchor means for providing an attachment point for one, butnot both, of a person's extremities during performance of exercise; andfreely rollable support means independent of the anchor means forbalancing the weight of the person's trunk and moveable portions of thebody during performance of exercise to allow integrated conditioning ofthe person's truck muscles and extremity muscles.